New Renault safe but sexy

By DAVID LINKLATER

Safety fast? Renault's sexy new Laguna II packs a 152kW/285Nm 3.0-litre V6 powerplant that catapults it to 100km/h in 8.1 seconds, but it's also one of the safest cars on the market according to the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP).

The Laguna II was the first car in any class to be awarded a five-star rating by the independent crash test organisation.

The Renault has been launched in New Zealand in two five-door body shapes. The hatch showcases a steeply raked rear and sells for $58,990. The Sport Tourer reflects the European penchant for svelte station wagons and costs an extra $1000. Both ride on the same 2745mm wheelbase, but the Sport Tourer carries an extra 117mm rear overhang. Renault claims a cargo capacity of up to 1500 litres.

Both Laguna II variants are powered by the 3.0-litre V6 engine, a revamp of the previous powerplant developed in conjunction with Peugeot-Citroen. Compared with the 145kW version used in the old Laguna, it now features variable inlet valve timing with two camshaft variators, redesigned combustion chambers and motorised throttle valve operation.

The V6 is mated to a new five-speed adaptive automatic transmission. The gearbox, dubbed Proactive by Renault, also incorporates a sequential shift function.

The V6 is the only Laguna II engine available to Kiwi buyers at the moment, but 101kW 2-litre petrol and 88kW 1.9-litre turbo diesel options are on the way for 2002. The oil-burner uses a variable nozzle turbocharger and serves up the kind of torque that shames even the high-performance V6 - 270Nm at just 2000 rpm.

The price for the V6 model edges the Laguna II towards established executive-car names, but the Renault comes packed with safety and luxury equipment. The four-wheel disc brakes are equipped with anti-lock, electronic force proportioning and brake assist. Handling is aided by an electronic stability programme, while a traction control system also cuts in on low-friction surfaces. A tyre-monitoring system displays any loss of pressure on the dashboard and, in extreme circumstances, activates a voice synthesised warning.

Adaptive two-stage airbags deploy in conjunction with adaptive seat belts up front. Long travel pretensioners (two for the driver) and load limiters are used for the four outside seating positions, while all five passengers wear three-point safety belts. Both rear-side seating positions have Isofix mounting points for child restraints.

Front and rear side-impact airbags and head curtain airbags are standard fit on the V6 models, bringing the total airbag count to eight.

If you're not already overdosing on high technology, read on. The Laguna II doesn't have an ignition key. Instead, a credit-card-sized badge is provided, which is inserted into the centre console. A button activates the engine and unlocks the steering. The card memorises a variety of information including the car's vehicle identification number, registration details, fuel and oil levels, mileage, tyre pressures and distance to the next service. All of the data can be downloaded into a home computer through a reader.

Less exotic but every bit as meaningful for executive-car buyers is standard equipment like climate-control air-conditioning, electrically operated front seats, leather upholstery, CD player, trip computer, cruise control with speed limiter and an electrochromic rearvision mirror. The Sport Tourer also features a rear parking proximity sensor, which remains a $675 option on the hatchback.

But while an excess of standard equipment is to be expected in this market segment, the Laguna II's exemplary safety record will remain a major marketing advantage for Renault - especially next to safety-conscious rivals such as Volvo and Saab.

Despite the car's Euro NCAP achievements, Renault says the Laguna II is only 60kg heavier on average than the first-generation model. Safety equipment adds 85kg, the car's larger size 25kg and better quality materials 10kg, but weight reductions were achieved in the suspension (20kg), trim (15kg), opening panels (10kg) and wiring (6kg).

Impressive NCAP scores are nothing new for Renault. Other top performers in the French carmaker's line-up include the Clio supermini (four stars in 2000), Megane (four stars and best in class since 1998) and Scenic mini-MPV (four stars in 2001).

Renault claims to be the first manufacturer to introduce safety-belt load limiters in 1995, then programmed retention with controlled airbags in 1997. These features have been integrated as the "Renault protection system" since 1998.

The Laguna II introduces the "programmed retention system" and is the first Renault to combine variable volume airbags with an adaptive driver's safety belt.